CPA network
A CPA network is an intermediary platform that connects advertisers with affiliates and pays them for approved target actions.
In plain words
An advertiser needs clients, an affiliate needs payment for traffic. A CPA network sits between them: it publishes advertisers’ offers, gives affiliates tracking links, records applications, collects statuses from the advertiser and makes payouts.
The network takes its share. In return it handles finding traffic sources, tracking, first-level quality checks and settlements.
How it works
- The advertiser publishes an offer: what counts as an action, how much it pays, which sources are forbidden.
- Affiliates send traffic, and applications reach the advertiser.
- The advertiser processes applications and returns statuses: approved, rejected, in progress.
- After the hold period the network pays the affiliate for approved actions.
Why it matters to a manager
Through a network you receive a flow you do not control directly. Quality depends on which affiliates are working on your offer. The network sees your statuses and uses them to decide how profitable a partner you are.
If your team approves few applications because of slow processing, the network and affiliates switch to other advertisers. If it approves everything, you pay for junk.
Common mistake
Not reconciling statuses. Sending approvals without checking that the person really applied and got in touch. Or the opposite, rejecting leads in bulk without a reason, which quickly damages relationships and shrinks the flow. Honest statuses and clear rejection reasons benefit both sides.
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